BLUE Microphones announced two new Applets for its Snowball USB microphone, adding further flexibility to its dual-capsule design by giving users more control over the input gain.

Two new free firmware applets for the Snowball let the user adjust gain levels on a Mac or PC. Download the low-gain applet for loud sounds (drums, electric guitars, louder singing). Download the high-gain applet for quieter sounds (speech, Podcasting, Internet telephony or recording sounds from a distance). Users can also switch back and forth as often as needed.